Classic Poem

In the wise books of ancient lore we find,
" Full many meet the gods, but few salute them. "
The sages knew that men are deaf and blind;
And who in modern days shall dare dispute them?

But I, O precious friend of many years,
In the first moment of our casual meeting,
I knew the visitant from loftier spheres;
I recognized the god, and gave him greeting.

Thank Heaven for that! I knew you at a glance;
I did not need to test or try or doubt you;
I read your birthright in your countenance;
I saw the mystic halo shine about you.

What though some eyes were blind, and could not see.
The light divine, nor note the crowning splendor?
It was enough so true and great to be
To those you loved, — so kindly, wise, and tender.

Through all the years, whatever grief befell
My life, whatever cruel pain assailed me,
Your heart has been my sheltering citadel,
Your tender, helpful love has never failed me.

A faithful and unfailing comradeship,
My stronghold in this world of evanescence,
Consoling words, kind eyes, and smiling lip, —
I found them all in your most gracious presence.

Had all the breathing world conspired to prove
That you could wrong me, slight me, or deceive me,
Not all the world had made me doubt your love,
Or wrong your utter truth. Dear ghost, believe me!

O friend most dear! my way is full of fears;
To-day is dreary, and I dread to-morrow.
How shall I bear the bleak and bitter years
Which I must meet in loneliness and sorrow?

How can I bear what I could not have borne
Even when my heart was happier and younger, —
The memories which only make me mourn,
The solitude, the spirit's thirst and hunger?

Through these remaining days of mortal breath
I can but weep you, miss you, and regret you,
Knowing no solace but that after death
My soul must either find you — or forget you!